Report: Jail inmate attacks officer, breaking a bone in his face

Published: Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 9:39 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 9:39 a.m.

An Alachua County jail officer suffered a fractured facial bone and other injuries when he was assaulted by an inmate with a history of assaulting authorities, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office reported.

Timothy Wims, 24, of Gainesville, was charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer in connection with the Wednesday incident, sheriff's spokesman Art Forgey said.

Officer Lawrence O'Brien was hit multiple times in the face. He had a fracture extending from his nasal cavity to his left eye socket, cuts on his lips, a loose tooth and severe swelling, Forgey said.

Forgey added that he did not know the circumstances that led to the incident.

Wims is in jail on a violation of probation charge. His original charge was battery of a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician.

Surveillance video shows Wims striking O'Brien with a fist multiple times until other staff members separated them, Forgey said.

<p>An Alachua County jail officer suffered a fractured facial bone and other injuries when he was assaulted by an inmate with a history of assaulting authorities, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office reported.</p><p>Timothy Wims, 24, of Gainesville, was charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer in connection with the Wednesday incident, sheriff's spokesman Art Forgey said.</p><p>Officer Lawrence O'Brien was hit multiple times in the face. He had a fracture extending from his nasal cavity to his left eye socket, cuts on his lips, a loose tooth and severe swelling, Forgey said.</p><p>Forgey added that he did not know the circumstances that led to the incident.</p><p>Wims is in jail on a violation of probation charge. His original charge was battery of a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician.</p><p>Surveillance video shows Wims striking O'Brien with a fist multiple times until other staff members separated them, Forgey said.</p><p>O'Brien wants to press charges against Wims, Forgey added.</p><p><i>- Cindy Swirko</i></p>